Chivas USA beats Vancouver in preseason scrimmage

– Chivas USA defeated the Vancouver Whitecaps by 1-0 in a preseason scrimmage game on Friday afternoon, the last day of preseason at Casa Grande, AZ, for the Red-and-White. Chivas USA now returns to Los Angeles and will continue with preseason training next Tuesday at The Home Depot Center.

Jesus Padilla’s goal came when the Goats’ holdover from last season broke through the Whitecaps’ offside trap onto a long-ball from Michael Umana in the 89th minute.

The Whitecaps’ best scoring chance came off the foot of Brazilian trialist Camilo da Silva Sanvezzo, who scorched a shot that was steered wide by Chivas USA’s Zach Thornton in the 76th minute.

Chivas USA’s defense was anchored by Jimmy Conrad and Zarek Valentin, but Friday’s game also saw the debut of recently acquired defender Heath Pearce. The former FC Dallas fixture logged 30 minutes at right back before Umana took his place.

The Goats started Alejandro Moreno at the top of a unique 4-1-4-1 formation, with Gordon and Blair Gavin anchoring the central midfield. Victor Estupinan took Moreno’s spot in the second half but couldn’t generate a real scoring chance before Padilla’s goal saved the day.

Chivas USA continues preparation for the 2011 Home Opener on March 19 against Omar Bravo and Sporting Kansas City. Season Seats for 2011 are now on sale, with prices remaining at the same low rates as 2010. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com.